SoulCalibur II

 Xbox
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 70 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 70
  3. Negative: 4 out of 70
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  1. dplatt45
    Oct 9, 2021
    9
    Fun! Delivers everything a SoulCalibur game would, a great solid fighter which is legendary. SoulCalibur II is probably the best or second best in the whole series competing with the first one
  2. draken3581
    Dec 18, 2018
    10
    I got the Xbox from a friend just for this game. This was the first home console I bought (being a long time PC gamer). This game changed my mind about consoles and redefined the way I see the gaming world. I absolutely love the level of detail, each character has different stances. The practice options are for professionals. I like the "campaign mode" with the different challenges whichI got the Xbox from a friend just for this game. This was the first home console I bought (being a long time PC gamer). This game changed my mind about consoles and redefined the way I see the gaming world. I absolutely love the level of detail, each character has different stances. The practice options are for professionals. I like the "campaign mode" with the different challenges which pushes the players outside of their comfort zone. I like the various options for survival, using extra weapons as you unlock them. The multi-character tournaments are also quite satisfying as game modes although far from unique in this game. The guard brake and guard impact system I found are a bit too hard for me to execute on a critical moment, while the "soul charge" adds a nice element of risk-reward on the system. Character design is amazing, the classic samurai in Mitsu, the not-so classic yet somehow fitting Yoshi, Spawn feeling completely out of place and yet being a cool addition; and of course Nightmare, Talim, the big attraction that is bouncing physics on Ivy. Also the music is magnificent, memorable and timeless.
    I like DoA for obvious reasons but there is no denying that the combat system of SCII is extremely well polished, ok maybe there are some "crybaby" moves that could do a patch or two but with each character in the 80-110 moves it's nearly impossible to keep any game completely balanced on the Disc version. Played tons with my friends and then replayed a tons more with SCII HD on X360.    … Expand
  3. evolution98
    Sep 17, 2018
    10
    My childhood fighting game 2nd to Tekken 5. By god is it amazing!

    To top an already perfect game on the Dreamcast would be difficult but Namco and Project Soul pulled it off. I LOVE this game to bits. I love the graphics. A big improvement over the original, they look smooth and so realistic. The motion capture looks fantastic. The soundtrack is epic and is my second favorite next    My childhood fighting game 2nd to Tekken 5. By god is it amazing!

    To top an already perfect game on the Dreamcast would be difficult but Namco and Project Soul pulled it off. I LOVE this game to bits.

    I love the graphics. A big improvement over the original, they look smooth and so realistic. The motion capture looks fantastic. The soundtrack is epic and is my second favorite next to Soulcalibur 3. The sound is superb. I love it. The gameplay is still the same but has been updated with new mechanics like Guard Break, Attack Break, Stun Hits, Fake Attacks, Walled Stages and Stage Hazards. The story is intriguing and enthralling with every character. I LOVE the voice acting for every character as well.

    There is so much to unlock from playing Weapon Master Mode and other modes. It gave the game SO much replay-ability. I have so much fun with all the modes.

    It's a fantastic game. Well worth adding to your Xbox Original collection.    … Expand
  4. ReubenIsAGod
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    First game i me and my bro got with the new 360 harddrive for our 4 gb 360, is badass spawn is AMAZING, why hasnt he got his own video game yet, HE IS A BADASS MF
  5. TheQuietGamer
    May 12, 2012
    9
    I recently decided to get back in to fighting games, I used to play a lot of them but for some reason I just got out of them, but with fighting games have recently been fighting (pun definitely intended) they're way back to the top I'm interested in them again. I decided to play this one just out of the blue for some reason, and I'm glad I did it's fantastic even though it's got some yearsI recently decided to get back in to fighting games, I used to play a lot of them but for some reason I just got out of them, but with fighting games have recently been fighting (pun definitely intended) they're way back to the top I'm interested in them again. I decided to play this one just out of the blue for some reason, and I'm glad I did it's fantastic even though it's got some years on it. It has a fantastic selection of characters including the Xbox exclusive Todd Mcfarlane's Spawn (the Gamecube exclusive is Link from the Legend of Zelda series, and the PS2's is some guy from Tekken), several fun modes, and fantastic controls. The graphics are still fantastic, and the soundtrack is great, voice acting is good for most characters but one or two of the will have you grating your teeth. If your looking for a fantastic fighting game don't let the fact that this for the original Xbox detract you from picking it up, it's truly phenomenal, deserving of the praise it received, and I'd even say one of the best fighting games of all time. A must play.… Expand
  6. asjklas
    Jun 22, 2011
    10
    One of the best DC games ever get one of the best fighting game sequels to date. Pros: Excellent graphics, sound, and control; likable characters; lots of easy-to-learn combos; lots of single-player and multiplayer modes. Cons: No online play.
  7. VictorN.
    Feb 19, 2008
    10
    And.....guess what.....now it's 02/2008 and this game continue surprising me. Awesome game.
  8. FredB.
    Oct 18, 2006
    5
    The combos arn't right, they just don't work. I think this game is really over rated but, maybe I'm missing something.
  9. ArmandoD.
    Sep 5, 2005
    10
    Now it's 10/2006... and still the best fighting game! I've had this game since it was released... and i am still playing it and it's great fun (specially with friend /s).
  10. MalikM.
    Aug 18, 2005
    10
    It's 8/18/2005 and it's still the best fighting game!
  11. AB
    Oct 29, 2004
    8
    This is an amazing fighting game, but the GameCube version is better (because you can play as Link).
  12. DarrylN.
    Oct 29, 2004
    10
    Great game especially VS a friend.
  13. HeideR.
    Jun 27, 2004
    9
    This is the best beat 'em up! Graphics are superb and the gameplay aswell, you can do so many things in the game. It's a real must have. Hope that there will be a Soul Calibur III. =) Raphael rulezz ^^
  14. JoeQ.
    May 13, 2004
    10
    This is by far the best game of the week i rented it like 4 times and i beat it and then bought it to play it some more its the best.
  15. JPStuewe
    Apr 8, 2004
    6
    Hi friends, SC2 would get a 10 from me, and as long as you're only playing against a friend it would even deserve a 20! But I am an average solo player and I feel deeply frustrated by this game, because the AI is simply too powerfull and unfair. I played Ivy about 1200 times. I learned her moves and finished the second run through weapon master mode completely. But despite of this Hi friends, SC2 would get a 10 from me, and as long as you're only playing against a friend it would even deserve a 20! But I am an average solo player and I feel deeply frustrated by this game, because the AI is simply too powerfull and unfair. I played Ivy about 1200 times. I learned her moves and finished the second run through weapon master mode completely. But despite of this training and my gathered experience, I couldn't beat more than 6 opponents in extra single survival with her up to now. On the other hand, I played Nightmare and Talim only once and could defeat 12 enemys with both. Don't know how I did it with Nightmare, but with Talim I used simple button mashing and in both cases I had no idea how they are really controlled. Learning Ivy's moves proved to be completely useless for me in the long run, because the computer controlled opponents don't give you any time to execute a complex combo. You have to rely on simple commands and sheer luck. What's even worse: The computer can predict your next move! I found this out with a simple experiment: Stand while blocking in front of an opponent, and try to get out of the block and do something else. As soon as you give up your cover, the enemy will strike and he'll almost always hit you, before you have a chance to do anything at all. There's almost no escape and no chance for you. No room for tactics, clever combos and real gameplay. If you could set the difficulty for every single player mode, the game would be fun for every type of player, experienced or not. But the difficulty can only be adjusted in some modes, so the game is only worth buying for hardcore fighting gamers and for those who are lucky enough to have friends with whom they can enjoy the two player modes. For these kind of players it's highly recommended, it's indeed a true must-have. But for everyone else who only plays against the computer, the game is an endless source of frustration, because you see a game that could really be great, if you only had a chance against the enemys who rip you to shreds with lightning speed. What a disappointment. I've never seen a game like this: Pure eyecandy, fantastic design, great features, motivating, all in all a hit with tremendious potential, but nearly unplayable in most modes, because of an AI that's truly inhuman. With kind and sad greetings from Germany - Your JP… Expand
  16. VanityV.
    Mar 17, 2004
    10
    This game is so fantastic.Its so unique and very exiting.if i can rate it up to 20 i will.Hope this will be the game of the year.I like the character Talim beacause shes so cute like me(joke)and very energetic.I like the weapons there.
  17. CameronS.
    Mar 1, 2004
    10
    Best fighting game ever!!!! Shows that even though its not a patch for to the xbox one, the Gaycube can actually have a good game! Amazing graphics, just as good as Halo's. Could have had better arenas though and a tag team mode. Thats for Soul Caliber 3 then.Asta la vista Tekken!
  18. Snackboy
    Feb 6, 2004
    10
    To say the SCII is a rehash of the DC SCI does this game a serious injustice. Gameplay has been balanced. No character is better than any other character. The control has a better feel. The graphics are improved in scale and detail. Sound is awesome. New characters, and new versions of the characters' weapons. What more can you want? Oh, walls; new arenas; more vocals; more music. As To say the SCII is a rehash of the DC SCI does this game a serious injustice. Gameplay has been balanced. No character is better than any other character. The control has a better feel. The graphics are improved in scale and detail. Sound is awesome. New characters, and new versions of the characters' weapons. What more can you want? Oh, walls; new arenas; more vocals; more music. As far as you button mashers, sure you can pull off some interesting stuff by button mashing - but try to do it again. Button mashing fools get lucky sometimes, but they can never beat an experienced player. Anyone who likes fighting games - this is a must have. Anyone who does not like fighting games, at least owe this one a rental - on any console.… Expand
  19. Spawnppfft
    Jan 27, 2004
    8
    This game is good, but compared to the gamecube version its crap simply because spawn looks gay while link is so much better!! Soul Calibur (the critic) you are wrong!!
  20. JohnA.
    Jan 9, 2004
    10
    if you have an xbox this game's graphics are just as good as halo's and ivy, nightmare, and spawn are the best.
  21. Unknown
    Dec 29, 2003
    10
    Spawn is the best.
  22. JustinD.
    Dec 5, 2003
    9
    Best fighting game out there.
  23. SteveE.
    Nov 28, 2003
    9
    It`s bigger and bolder and rougher and tougher , there is no other!
  24. MrGladiator
    Nov 26, 2003
    10
    What a great game not goin to tell u how many hours i spent on this first off i was pleasantly surprised when i started weapons master i unlocked yoshimutsi sorry if its spelled it wrong anyway i give this game 9 out of ten for outstounding graphics and fight systemn i was hooked from the min i played it the only reason i havnt given it 10 out of 10 is the simple reson is i was pissed offWhat a great game not goin to tell u how many hours i spent on this first off i was pleasantly surprised when i started weapons master i unlocked yoshimutsi sorry if its spelled it wrong anyway i give this game 9 out of ten for outstounding graphics and fight systemn i was hooked from the min i played it the only reason i havnt given it 10 out of 10 is the simple reson is i was pissed off because i thought i completed weapons master then i had to complete it all over agin this game is excellent and has a very long life span just like halo it will make history in the gaming universe.… Expand
  25. MichaelC.
    Nov 17, 2003
    8
    I'm a little biased, since I think that this genre should have died years ago, but if you like 1-on-1 fighting with weapons, you'll love this game.
  26. ZakW.
    Nov 15, 2003
    10
    One of the best fighters ever, hands down. Spawn also looks, sounds, and plays great. Can't find anything wrong with this game.
  27. AnthonyC.
    Nov 4, 2003
    9
    Although it does seem like a remake it has kick @$$ combos and alright graphics the playability is asome and so is Link. So what if it has remake qualities and it's a little easier than I hoped for it still has playing time after you beat it.
  28. McBraddMcBreartor
    Oct 6, 2003
    10
    Initially I thought, oh great, another button masher, but after playing for a few days I realized how deep this game is. It will take weeks to master EACH charactor. This is a must have for fighting enthusiasts, and a good rental for everyone else. My only gripes are the lack of blood (they're tearing eachother apart with swords for goodness sake!) and the game isn't a big step Initially I thought, oh great, another button masher, but after playing for a few days I realized how deep this game is. It will take weeks to master EACH charactor. This is a must have for fighting enthusiasts, and a good rental for everyone else. My only gripes are the lack of blood (they're tearing eachother apart with swords for goodness sake!) and the game isn't a big step forward for either graphics or sound. It's somewhat a remake of the previous iteration in the series. Even the charactor movements seem recycled. That aside, the game is very addictive and has great replay value in its RPG style single player mode.… Expand
  29. SoulCalibur
    Oct 4, 2003
    10
    Soul Calibur owns all games... Spawn would own Link any day of the week, week of month, month of year, year of generation, generation of millenium, against Eon. LINK SUCKS!!!!!!
  30. DavidG.
    Oct 4, 2003
    10
    El mejor juego de lucha que existe actualmente. Simplemente GENIAL!!
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Xbox Game of 2003
7
#7 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. Eurogamer
    100
    For the vast majority of the gaming world, this is quite easily the best 3D beat 'em up ever made.
    Read full review
  2. Xbox Nation Magazine
    90
    Unlike most 3D fighters, Calibur II's melee system isn't so mcuh an elaborate re-creation of the canned rock-paper-scissors style gameplay as it is a vast metaphysical playground giving players unprecedented freedom to create their own deadly techniques. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.88]
  3. Edge Magazine
    90
    No other beat 'em up developer is quite as willing to experiment with the form in a bid to stave off the moribundity that's gradually subsuming the genre. [Import - June 2003, p.88]
See all critic reviews »